Upcoming events in the south Charlotte area

Please submit your event information online. Go to events.charlotteobserver.com and click on “Add Event.” The submission deadline for print is two weeks in advance of the event date.

Art

Art Blossoming:

Floral artwork will be the highlight during May at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, including artwork in several media forms by represented artists at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery. There will be a Meet the Artists reception on May 14 5-8 p.m. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.charlottefineart.com. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 6.

Learn about cybersecurity, network, and enjoy special savings. This event will include: A Cybersecurity for Small Business Workshop where you will learn how to keep your business safe online. An opportunity to network with other local business owners and win prizes. Free. Microsoft Store-SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 704-916-6610. www.microsoftstore.com. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 4

Take Your Business to the Next Level for Women Business Owners:

Join others for a special, two-hour event for women business owners during National Small Business Week at the Microsoft Store. Free. Microsoft Store--SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 704-916-6610. www.microsoftstore.com. 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 4.

New Friends of Carolina, a social group open to all women new or native to the Carolinas, will hold a welcome coffee for new and perspective members on, 11:15 am, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. For details, contact the group at 866-213-9183, newfriendsofcarolina.com or visit us at facebook.com. newfriendsofcarolina.com. Matthews Womens Club Services, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. 11:15 a.m. May 5.

National Day of Prayer:

Calvary Church invites the community to participate in the National Day of Prayer in the Calvary Chapel. Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-543-1200. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 5.

Each Friday in May (with the exception of May 27), Mint Hill will present Movies on the Lawn which are sport-centric. Arrive at 7 p.m. prior to the movie for kid friendly activities. Rudy will be shown on May 6. Free. Mint Hill town hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Ln., Mint Hill. 704-545-9726. www.minthill.com. 7-10 p.m. May 6

Matthews Food Truck Fridays:

The community food truck rally hosted by the town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department will have local food trucks and artists with live music while you relax and eat in Stumptown Park. For more information visit www.matthewsfun.com or the Facebook page below. Free. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-847-4411. www.matthewsnc.com. 5-9 p.m. May 6.

Annual Creative Aging Symposium: Move and Be Moved:

This immersive gathering of art enthusiasts and healthcare professionals offers both groups the opportunity to tap into their creative potential and understand the mutually beneficial roles they play in the community related to health promotion, disease prevention, and cultivating community based programming. $69; $59 students and Medicare recipient; $130 late registration. Southminster, Inc., 8919 Park Road, Charlotte. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 6.

Sangrock Black Belt World Tae Kwon-Do School is sponsoring a fundraiser promoted by Melody Alexander, a senior at Ardrey Kell High School, for the Matthews Free Medical Center. It is a 3-hour Women’s Self-Defense class. It is common for mothers and daughters to attend together. E-mail selfdefense@sprynet.com to request registration forms. $30. Sangrock Black Belt World, 11301 Golf Links Drive, Suite 102, Charlotte. 704-847-1099. sangrock.com/charlotte-location/. 1-4 p.m. May 7.

Shake, Swagger & Stroll Featuring the Power Walk and the Stiletto Swagger:

Create a team or register individually. The fun morning starts with the “N’Step with ’N” warm-up with Nettie Reeves, then before the 5K walk, the Stiletto Swaggerers show off their talent and their shoes. Kids activities too. Eyewitness News Anchor, Erica Bryant from WSOC-TV Channel 9 is honorary chair and radio partner, 107.9 The Link will be on site. 8 a.m. Park Road Park, 6220 Park Road, Charlotte. charmeck.org. 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. May 7.

Claire’s Army Blood Drive:

More public drives can be found at Community Blood Center of the Carolinas’ website www.cbcc.us. CBCC has donation centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory, and Greensboro (www.cbcc.us/about/donor-center-hours.php for center hours). Call 704-972-4700 or go to www.cbcc.us to make an appointment at any location. Free. www.cbcc.us. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-2823. www.providenceumc.org. 12 p.m. May 7.

Derby Days:

Join the Young Affiliates of the Mint for their annual spring fundraiser: Derby Days. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment that includes live music, lawn games, and a large-screen viewing of the race live from Louisville, Kentucky. $55; $40 members. www.mintmuseum.org/happenings/997/derby-days/. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org. 3-6 p.m. May 7.

Dinner fundraiser: Ministry Development Services:

Big Guy’s Pizza in Mint Hill will host a fundraising dinner to raise money for the local nonprofit Ministry Development Services. The organization provides counseling, coaching & assessments for youth and adults in Christian ministry. Big Guy’s Pizza will donate a portion of all sales 5-8 p.m. There also will be raffles. Learn more about Ministry Development Services online at www.MinistryDS.org Big Guys Pizza, 6914 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-1770. 5 p.m. May 7.

Mother’s Day Service:

Enjoy worship together and hear a powerful message by Senior Pastor Dr. John Munro. The Calvary choir and orchestra will provide uplifting music, and the service will conclude with communion. Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-543-1200. 9:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. May 8.

Losing your spouse, a parent, or a child can be devastating, and dealing with the grief is sometimes tougher than anticipated. Based on a Christian worldview, GriefShare explores the impact of personal grief spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Please register in advance at www.calvarychurch.com. Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-543-1200. 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 9.

Learn the basics of Juicing, the difference between juicing and blending, the benefits, best combinations for tasty drinks that even the kids will love, and how easy it really is. Free. www.charlottejcc.org/events/2016/0May 12/adults/juicing-101. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5007. www.charlottejcc.org. 11 a.m. May 12

If you are interested in Pickleball and want to find out more or learn to play, join others at the Nano Center in Matthews. Instruction and equipment will be provided. $5. Nano Center, 624 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews. 704-849-8316. www.nanosports.co. 5-6 p.m. May 8.

LPGA’s Symetra Classic:

144 of the world’s best female professional golfers compete. Come see the stars of Golf Channel’s Big Break and local favorites compete over three days for $150,000 purse. $10 per day; children free with paying adult. www.lpgacharlotte.com. Raintree Country Club, 8600 Raintree Ln., Charlotte. 704-542-8150. www.raintreecountryclub.com. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. May 13

April Smith, owner of Charlotte-based Social Ape Marketing, will be the guest speaker at the next Ballantyne Chapter of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. She will offer tips on how to sell yourself and your business on LinkedIn. Ballantyne Country Club, 11120 Ballantyne Crossing Ave., Charlotte. 704-544-1404. www.ballantyneclub.com. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May 5.